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Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for nuisance dusts at the Cincinnati Bulk Mail Center (SIC-3579), in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 16, 17, and 22, 1981. The evaluation was requested by the management to determine the potential exposure of approximately 750 employees. Respirable particulate concentrations ranged from particulate concentrations ranged from 0.06 to 0.29mg/cum. All exposures were well below the OSHA standard of 5mg/cum for respirable particulates and 15mg/cum for total particulates. Analysis of area organic samples taken inside the catalog truck revealed toluene (108883) and xylene (1330207), concentrations ranging from 18 to 22mg/cum and 24 to 29mg/cum respectively. OSHA total standards for toluene and xylene are 750 and 435mg/cum, respectively. Total hydrocarbon concentrations ranged from 26 to 29mg/cum. The author concludes that a health hazard from air particulates did not exist at this facility and that health complaints reported by dock workers were caused by exposure to toluene, xylene, and minor amounts of other hydrocarbons which volatilized from printing inks. She recommends shipping of newly printed material in trailers which have ventilation ports, airing of newly printed materials, and regular cleaning and maintenance of dust collecting systems on the sack shake out machines.